Jozani Forest is located within Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park on Zanzibar Island. The park covers about 50 square kilometers and is home to more than 50 butterfly species and 40 bird species. With many things to see and do, Jozani Forest attracts thousands of visitors to Zanzibar every year.
Jozani Forest is the largest remaining area of natural forest in Zanzibar. It is made up of different habitats, including coastal forest, groundwater forest, salt marsh, mangroves, and grasslands.
Wildlife in Jozani Forest
Jozani Forest is famous for the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, also called Kirk’s colobus, an endangered primate found only in Zanzibar. Its population has grown steadily since the park became a protected reserve.
Other animals found here include Zanzibar sykes monkeys, bush babies, Suni antelopes, Zanzibar servaline genets, adder’s duikers, and tree hyraxes, which have adapted to life in the forest.
The forest is also believed to be home to the Zanzibar leopard, a species that was once thought to be extinct. Some locals believe that sorcerers keep the leopards for spiritual purposes. Though the last confirmed sightings were in 2002–2003, an American documentary released in 2018 captured camera footage showing a small leopard, suggesting that the species may still survive.
In the surrounding waters of Zanzibar, visitors can also find humpback dolphins, sharks, marlins, tuna, and green sea turtles.
The Zanzibar red colobus monkey was named after John Kirk, a British naturalist who introduced it to zoological science.
Conservation & History
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is on the tentative list to become a Ramsar site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Between 1995 and 2003, CARE International funded conservation projects to support both the forest and nearby communities. Part of the money collected from park entry fees goes toward building schools, hospitals, and improving local welfare in Jozani Village.
Before it became a national park, locals depended on the forest for timber and farming. In 1930, an Arab landowner bought the forest and built a sawmill. The colonial government later took over the area in the late 1940s.
Jozani was first gazetted as a forest reserve in 1952 and later declared a nature reserve in 1960. Despite this, illegal logging and poaching continued for years. In 2004, it was officially designated as a national park, and wildlife has since recovered well.
Birding in Jozani Forest
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park has two adjoining birding areas recognized by BirdLife International. It is the best birdwatching location in Zanzibar, with many coastal and forest bird species.
Some of the birds you can see include Zanzibar red bishop, Fischer’s turaco, mangrove kingfisher, east coast akalat, brown-headed parrot, golden weaver, olive sunbird, crab plover, emerald-spotted wood dove, crowned hornbill, African paradise flycatcher, and great painted snipe.
Nature-Guided Walks
Visitors can explore the forest on guided nature walks led by experienced local guides. These walks take you through trails lined with tall trees and medicinal plants while spotting monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.
The Mangrove Boardwalk
The mangrove boardwalk is another popular experience in Jozani Forest. Walking along the wooden path gives you a close view of the mangrove ecosystem, which provides breeding grounds for fish, crabs, and many bird species.
A visit to Jozani Forest usually takes 2 to 3 hours. The park entrance is along the main road and is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The entry fee includes a guide and a 45-minute walk along the mangrove boardwalk or forest trail.
Best Time to Visit Jozani Forest
Jozani Forest can be visited all year round, but the best time is during the dry seasons — from June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are dry and easy to walk on, and vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot wildlife.
What to Pack
When visiting Jozani Forest, you should bring:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Binoculars
- Hat and light rain jacket
- Long-sleeved clothing and socks
- Camera
Accommodation Near Jozani Forest
There is no accommodation inside the forest, but visitors can stay at nearby Zanzibar lodges that range from budget to luxury. Where you stay will depend on your budget and travel plan.
After visiting Jozani Forest, travelers can enjoy other Zanzibar activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, kayaking, sunbathing, and boat rides.
